Autumn Wellness

Chinese Medicine tips for a healthy autumn

Traditional Chinese medicine view humans as a microcosms of natural world. What does it mean? It means we are part of the nature and environment around us. Law of nature applies to our body as well. Season has changed from hot summer days (yang energy) to more cooling fall days (yin energy). Days are shorter and night are longer. The energy of the season is going inward. Slow down from high activity of summer days. In Chinese medicine fall is associated with Lung and Large intestine, season of letting go. Here are few tips to stay healthy during this time of the year.

Protect neck and shoulder-

Upper back, neck and shoulder are considered the most “yang” area that “evil Qi” (pathogens) can easily invade our body. Keep these area warm during fall and winter to keep “evil Qi” away.

Letting go-

Fall season is associated with grief and great time of the year to let go of the unresolved sadness. Lung energy is at it’s highest, inhale fresh air, feel energized- exhale negativity, toxins and pain. Clear your closet and get rid of the old. Donate what you don’t need anymore.

Eat warming foods-

Eat more warming soups and congees (thick soup w/rice) with mushrooms and vegetables. Longer cooking time is recommended for this season. Beneficial foods for this season are: dark green and golden orange vegetables, which are high in vitamin A to protect the mucus membrane of the body. Pumpkin, sweet potato, walnuts, cabbage, mustard greens, sauerkraut, olives, limes, apples, grapes, cardamon, cinnamon, onion, garlic, radishes, chili and leeks.

Counter dry weather-

Major symptoms of dryness are thirst, dry skin, nose, lips and throat with itchiness. Foods, which moisten the body are: pear, apple, persimmon, loquat, seaweeds, almond, barley, millet, sesame seed, honey, oyster, mussel and pork. Avoid spicy and aromatic herbs and keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of water.

Sugar, Sugar, Sugar-

Try to minimize sugar, coffee, sodas, alcohol and heavy carbohydrates and drinking with meal. It’s holiday time and there are many sweets around. Coffee, sugar and sodas cause dehydration and lead to more dryness in fall season. Try using dry fruits and nuts to satisfy your cravings.

Get Acupuncture treatment-

What is your goal for next year? Acupuncture is empowering and assisting you to achieve your goals. Are you thinking to have a healthier year? Try to get over any addiction? Acupuncture boost immunity and strengthen protective Qi and prevent you to get sick in winter. Please, if you have any question or concern and would like to know if acupuncture would work for you, call or email me at: 831-426-5002

email: hakimclinic@yahoo.com

All the best and wish you a happy and healthy fall

Katayoon Hakim DAOM, L.Ac.